The prestigious Ibadan Golf Club (IGC) is set to honour the present Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde and past governors- Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala and the late Senator Abiola Ajimobi, for their contributions to the growth of the Club as part of activities to mark the 30th anniversary of the Club.
Captain of IGC, Ola Ibironke popularly known as ‘Dudu Heritage’ who disclosed this to newsmen in Ibadan said the Club would also honour four owners of golf clubs in Nigeria – Chief Michael Ade-Ojo of Smoking Hill Golf Club, Ilara Mokin, Ondo State, former Senate President, Senator David Mark, founder of MicCom Golf Club, Ada, Osun State, Engr Tunde Ponle and the owner of Asabari Golf Club, Saki, Oyo State, Hon. Teju Ishola.
Ibironke added that almost 200 golfers are expected as the activities lined up to celebrate the milestone that commenced on Monday with caddies tournament and visit to some orphanage homes by the executives of the club while ladies will take to course on Tuesday and Super Veterans will have their game on Wednesday.
A ceremonial tee-off for the two-day tournament will be held on Friday while a dinner to welcome guests and dignitaries from various clubs will be held in the evening according to the plans by the committee and closing ceremony and grand finale has been scheduled for Saturday at the world Lily Event Center, Apata, Ibadan.
While explaining the rationale behind the planned honour, Ibironke said “abroad, most of these golf courses are owned by cities, though there are few individuals who own golf clubs, but they are billionaires over there. Here, having a golf course is borne out of passion for the game and not for making money and that is why these few individuals who are helping golf to develop in this country deserve to be honoured.
“We are going to recognise those who have contributed immensely to the development of Ibadan Golf Club in particular and golf in the South West. We are going to have an Awards Night where we intend to honour the founders of the Club, because without them, there cannot be a 30th year celebration of IGC”.
The Captain added that superb maintenance is what gives IGC golf an edge over others and made it to be of high standard, noting that the courses abroad don’t have anything spectacular other than maintenance.
“Since the current executive came on board, our course has been rated number one, and it can stand with other top golf courses in the country and that is why corporate outfits are confident to associate with us as you can see that it is Heritage Bank that is sponsoring this anniversary’s activities”, said Dudu Heritage.
Packaged by Olanrewaju Agiri
